Sana Iftikhar

work experience

SENIOR CORPORATE ASSOCIATE & IN HOUSE LEGAL ADVISOR

Noorhan Abdullatif Alzaabi Advocates & Legal Consultants & Kayrouz and Associates AND ASICS ARABIA FZE.

Dubai | 2022 September | Present

• Commercial Contracts Management
• Advised on legal issues, risk mitigation, and contract structuring across sectors, including Automobile, F&B, Real Estate, Manufacturing and Retail, Trade, Hospitality, TMT, and IT industry, skillfully safeguarding client interests while securing mutually beneficial terms.
• Skilled in drafting and reviewing corporate documents such as meeting minutes, board resolutions, Wills drafting and registration,  POAs, MOAs, licenses, and related corporate documentation.
• Experience in assisting with construction and real estate matters, including drafting and reviewing commercial leases, SPAs, JVs, Consultant, contractors, and sub-contractors agreements, LOIs, and letters of acceptance etc.
• Proficient in drafting, reviewing, and implementing data protection and privacy policies in compliance with GDPR, UAE Data Protection Law, and other applicable regulations.
• Legal Advisory Across Departments
• Provided comprehensive in-house legal services to prominent corporate entities, including ASICS Arabia FZE, addressing general corporate and commercial matters across HR, CRM, sales, operations, business & finance unit, and administration divisions.
• Provided strategic advice on dispute avoidance, risk mitigation, and settlement negotiations to safeguard the client's interests.
• Drafted, reviewed & revised and negotiated a variety of contracts, including but not limited to, supplier agreements, agency and distribution, sponsorship agreements, franchise agreements, service and marketing contracts, employment contracts, SLAs, and policies, ensuring alignment with business objectives, legal standards, and regional laws.
• Supported intellectual property matters, including registration and renewals, across UAE and GCC jurisdictions, maintained and stored company data as per company policies and requirements.
• Successfully negotiated and executed contracts for ASICS projects with high-profile partners, including but not limited to Qatar Olympics and Paralympics, Saudi Federation for All, Chalhoub Group, Apparel Group, Alshaya Group, Azadea Group, and Namshi in GCC region.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence on corporate and commercial documents, including contracts, licenses, and regulatory filings, to identify potential risks and liabilities and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Negotiated major supplier agreements, achieving $500K in annual savings through competitive pricing and extended payment terms.
• Implemented robust contract review and risk management strategies, reducing client risks by 80% and enhancing the company’s financial stability.
• Enhanced processes to minimize litigation exposure, leading to a 30% reduction in annual legal expenses and safeguarding organizational resources.
• Corporate Law and Governance Expertise
• Proficient in conducting research and regularly reviewing and analyzing new laws, amendments, and regulations and a thorough understanding of corporate law, procedures, and legal compliance.
• Advised internal stakeholders on legislative changes and implemented necessary updates to policies and procedures.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in legislation and regulatory frameworks, ensuring organizational compliance with evolving legal standards.
• Efficient Teamwork
• Liaising with litigation department for the completion of legal documents including but not limited to preparation, notarization of POA’s and other company legal documents and drafted general and special POAs as required by clients.
• Demonstrated expertise in efficiently managing multiple tasks within high-pressure, fast-paced environments, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and alignment with company objectives.

LEGAL ADVISOR 

Legal Resource Partners | United Arab Emirates

July 2019–August 2022

• Provided practical solutions and opinions to solve clients’ legal issues minimizing legal risks involved in day-to-day business transactions.
• Proficient in providing strategic legal counsel on liability matters, advising on insurance policies, and ensuring that the organization adheres to risk management best practices.  
• Experienced in handling complex liability disputes, and minimizing financial and reputational risks through effective resolution strategies.
• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a wide range of legal documents, including agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding, ensuring clarity and enforceability. 
• Assisted clients in legal restructuring, M&A transactions, company formation, and renewal of licenses in DED, Free zones, and offshore, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and DFSA in alignment with regulatory compliance and applicable laws and regulations of the UAE.
• Managed and oversaw litigation and dispute resolution matters, including commercial, civil, and contractual disputes, ensuring alignment with client’s goals and legal strategies.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Bachelors-in-law (B.A/L.L.B)

University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 2011-2014

Corporate Diploma (Short Course)

University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 2015

BA (bachelor’s in arts)

University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 2009-2011